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The Montana Restaurant Where Guests Experience Dinner On A Train

Column: industry Tag: montana,restaurant Published: 2024-12-18 15:52 Source: www.mashed.com Author: Hannah SkinnerDec. 16

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From dining in the dark at Las Vegas' Blackout to the middle-ages ambiance of Medieval Times, there are plenty of bizarre restaurants in the U.S. In Montana, one such experience takes place aboard the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a dinner train where passengers enjoy a full-course dinner and Western-themed entertainment. The train makes a 56-mile round-trip journey through central Montana, traveling from Lewistown to Denton on a track built in 1912.

For nature lovers, this ride is a scenic treat. Passengers can take in views of mountains and ranchlands, wildlife like coyotes, antelope, and eagles, and a sunset in Big Sky country. The entertainment adds an interactive element to the experience. There are live musicians, saloon girls, and even masked bandits who stage a dramatic "hold-up." Dinner features prime rib, beverages, and dessert. (Fortunately, there's no need to worry about foods you should never eat on a train like soup that sloshes everywhere or sushi that can go bad quickly.). As the meal is catered, substitutions aren't possible, but vegetarian options are offered. A bar is also available for guests who wish to purchase extra drinks.

The experience gets mixed reviews

Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train / Facebook

Dinner starts at $133 for adults and $129 for children. A more expensive VIP option includes priority seating, a complimentary drink, and a t-shirt. However, the meal is only a small part of what guests are paying for. Positive reviews for the Charlie Russell Chew Choo highlight the joining aspects of entertainment, views, and food. "This was a delightful experience, looking out the train window with a glass of wine and dinner while viewing the landscape and sunset," a Trip Advisor reviewer writes. "The entertainment, a guitar player singing and the 'robbery' on our return trip, was super."

While some guests enjoy the experience, others have reservations. "While the scenery was beautiful and the staff super attentive, the food and the entertainment was lackluster in part and cringeworthy," another explains. "To top it off a [woman] was caught and hanged for attempted horse thievery. How is that appropriate or entertaining???" For children, especially, this could turn into a truly terrifying dining experience. Other reviewers have issues with the train arriving to the station late, the four-and-a-half-hour trip being unnecessarily long, and the prime rib being unimpressive.

Train rides are offered on certain weekends across the year and should be booked in advance. In November and December, dinner is not offered and the experience converts to a "North Pole Adventure Train," a one-and-a-half-hour ride with hot cocoa and visits from Santa.

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